2010 U.C. hard starting when hot, possible compensator issue
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 3,846
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From: Southern Virginia
2010 U.C. hard starting when hot, possible compensator issue
Howdy all,
I have a 2010 Ultra Classic that is starting to get hard to start when it's hot. It will make weird noises like the starter gear is missing the ring gear on the clutch hub but I'm not sure that is it. One thing I can say is every now and then when I shut off the engine I hear a clunk that makes me think the compensator sprocket may be wearing out. I have also read that the factory automatic primary chain tensioner could be causing the problem because it has the chain too tight.
What do y'all recommend I check first? Should I work with the compensator sprocket first or the chain adjuster first? I hate to say this but I'd like to rectify this as cheap as reasonably possible because I just got through paying Harley to fix their defective ABS unit.
Thanks in advance for any advice. I'm hoping to get this straightened out before it causes serious problems.
I have a 2010 Ultra Classic that is starting to get hard to start when it's hot. It will make weird noises like the starter gear is missing the ring gear on the clutch hub but I'm not sure that is it. One thing I can say is every now and then when I shut off the engine I hear a clunk that makes me think the compensator sprocket may be wearing out. I have also read that the factory automatic primary chain tensioner could be causing the problem because it has the chain too tight.
What do y'all recommend I check first? Should I work with the compensator sprocket first or the chain adjuster first? I hate to say this but I'd like to rectify this as cheap as reasonably possible because I just got through paying Harley to fix their defective ABS unit.
Thanks in advance for any advice. I'm hoping to get this straightened out before it causes serious problems.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 998
From: Southern Virginia
Might want to first consider checking the battery and/or cables.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 17,684
Likes: 6,062
From: Niagara, Ontario, Canada
I get that weird bang once in a while also, had the comp checked out, all good. Been told that's just a harley thing by many. But that was on start up. So, I got used to it,and never had any issues. You're sound may be different??? As for the hard starting, loose battery cable may be the issue.How many miles on the bike?
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 319
Likes: 139
From: Seattle
Usually when hearing of comp symptoms it's described as a bang on start-up rather then shut down. But if you have the original comp??? I have a 2010 also and I did upgrade mine just to get ahead of it? You mention the batt is holding voltage. Have you tested it under load? I come back to that because that's the first thing I'd go at if hot starts or what I believe you're describing as starter grind became an issue. If that's good I'd then test the starter before I go in the primary.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
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From: Southern Virginia
I just realized I didn't describe the hot start problem very well.
When you hit the starter button it will make all sorts of noise and you will hear a kickback. If I crack the throttle it will usually start quicker. It isn't a situation where the starter doesn't engage and spin.
Sorry I left that out.
When you hit the starter button it will make all sorts of noise and you will hear a kickback. If I crack the throttle it will usually start quicker. It isn't a situation where the starter doesn't engage and spin.
Sorry I left that out.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,344
Likes: 173
From: Watertown, CT
As said so many times , hit the starter button before letting the fuel pump build pressure. I hit the start and kill switches at the same time.
FWIW: I replaced battery, compensator and chain tensioner and still had the same problem.Now when I start it I don't have any problem. Good Luck
FWIW: I replaced battery, compensator and chain tensioner and still had the same problem.Now when I start it I don't have any problem. Good Luck
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Thread Starter
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
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From: Southern Virginia
As said so many times , hit the starter button before letting the fuel pump build pressure.
Thanks for the info NELS. What compensator and tensioner did you go with? Do you recall how much it all cost you?
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,268
Likes: 221
From: farmington michigan
Open up the primary and take s look went through all that on my 2010 ultra I went with the s/e compensator and that works fine I have heard of some guys adding a extra spring to the old ones and that worked too. But you won't know until you open it up and take a look check the ring gear and starter gear also make sure the starter bolts are tight and check the starter cable for tightness and corrosion